BIBLE-BASED
TRAUMA HEALING
IN PRISONS & JAILS
Research from Baylor University
and American Bible Society
CAN GOD’S WORD REACH HEARTS IN JAIL?
In this study, 86% of participants had experienced at least one type of traumatic event. Indicators of trauma include complicated grief, depression, anxiety, aggression, and suicidal ideation. Trauma deteriorates our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health and is often one of the biggest barriers between hurting hearts and God.
Bible-based trauma healing guides people toward long-term restoration by combining mental health best practices and biblical truths. For this study, 349 inmates participated in five-day trauma healing groups led by trained volunteers from the Good News Jail and Prison Ministry (GNJPM), a trusted partner of American Bible Society’s Trauma Healing Ministry. Three months after the program’s completion, participants continued to exhibit positive results.
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Information on trauma and mental health crises in jails and prisons
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Historical overview of faith and volunteerism in America
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The role of religion in prevention and rehabilitation efforts
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Overview of American Bible Society’s Trauma Healing program for inmates
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Methodology, research questions, and findings
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Implications for justice system reform
“This study shows that trauma healing – and the invitation to meet the ‘Wounded Healer’ through the Bible – has the power to change lives that have been impacted by the most tragic circumstances.”
“No other known intervention accomplishes so much good for highly traumatized jail inmates in such a short period of time.”
"For many, trauma healing has been the “missing link” in helping them to reconcile their past and accept God’s plan for their future. This research project, launched with the help of Good News Chaplains, empirically demonstrated what was already being observed clearly – the Word of God transforms hurting lives!"
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